HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the replacement of an old or corroded motherboard in your HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx. You may need to replace your motherboard if your Chromebook offers continuous slow performance. An upgrade may help it run faster.

What you need

Step 1 Keyboard

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 1 of 2

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 2 of 2

You will need a pair of tweezers and a Phillips screwdriver.
Remove eight 5mm Phillips #0 screws from the back cover of the laptop.

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Step 2

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Using a pair of tweezers, remove the five grey silicone covers.
Remove the five 5mm Phillips #0 screws beneath the grey silicone covers.
Place them aside where they will not be lost.

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Step 3

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Carefully open your Chromebook case and gently pull the keyboard away from the back panel.
Place the keyboard aside. Inspect for any visual damage or marks.

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Step 4 Battery

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 2

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 2 of 2

Remove the four 3mm Phillips #000 screws holding the battery in place.

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Step 5

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Slide a spudger underneath the white strip over the battery to gently pull the strip away from the adhesive sticking to the battery.
Using a pair of tweezers, grip the black tape connected to the battery, and gently pull back to unplug the battery.

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Step 6

Carefully lift the battery out of the laptop.

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Step 7 Heat Sink

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Heat Sink: step 7, image 1 of 3

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Heat Sink: step 7, image 2 of 3

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Heat Sink: step 7, image 3 of 3

Remove the two 1.5mm Phillips #000 from the copper heat sink on top of the motherboard.
Remove the heat sink from the laptop.

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Step 8 Wireless Card

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Wireless Card: step 8, image 1 of 2

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Wireless Card: step 8, image 2 of 2

Remove the single 2.5mm Phillips #00 screw from the wireless card.
Gently pull the wireless card from the motherboard to remove it.

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Step 9 Motherboard

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HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 9, image 2 of 3

HP Chromebook 14-ak041dx Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 9, image 3 of 3

Gently pull the wire connector with a pair of tweezers to free it from the motherboard.
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the black ribbon cable from its connector.
Use the tweezers to detach the wire connector from the bottom left corner of the motherboard.